Olympia Style Halibut Bake
Dive into this delightful Olympia Style Halibut Bake, a renowned dish that provides a seafood experience like no other! My take on this local favorite is designed to please even the most reluctant fish eaters. The richness of the halibut is perfectly complemented by a creamy blend of mayonnaise and sour cream, spiced to perfection with garlic, seasoning salt, and fragrant herbs. The dish is topped with a crunchy layer of breadcrumbs and Parmesan that crisps up beautifully in the oven, creating a delicious contrast to the tender fish beneath. Pair it with a fluffy rice pilaf and steamed green vegetables for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and elegant. Don't forget, if you prefer less of a fishy taste, simply remove any brown-tinted pieces from the fish before cooking.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
halibut fillets
2 lbs (cut into entree-sized portions)
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
yellow onion
1 (finely chopped)
sour cream
8 oz (1 cup) (none)
mayonnaise
1 cup (none)
garlic powder
1 tsp (none)
seasoning salt (Johnnys)
1 tsp (none)
black pepper
1 tsp (none)
basil
1 tsp (dried)
thyme
1 tsp (dried)
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
plain breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Cut the halibut into entree-sized portions, roughly 3x4 inches.
3
Finely chop the yellow onion and spread it evenly across the bottom of a 13x9x2 inch baking dish. Pour the melted butter over the onions, making sure they are well-coated.
4
Arrange the halibut fillets in a single layer over the onions.
5
In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, seasoning salt, black pepper, basil, and thyme. Stir until smooth and well blended.
6
Spread the creamy mixture generously over the halibut, ensuring all pieces are covered.
7
Sprinkle the plain breadcrumbs evenly on top of the sauce, creating a nice crust.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes.
9
After 20 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
10
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
11
To check for doneness, use a fork to gently flake the fish. It should be white, moist, and flake easily.
12
Serve hot, ideally accompanied by a side of fluffy rice pilaf and a vibrant green vegetable for a balanced meal.
13
For a smaller serving, simply halve all ingredients, excluding the onion and butter, for a delightful dish that still impresses.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Olympia Style Halibut Bake?
Olympia Style Halibut Bake is a seafood dish featuring halibut fillets baked with a base of onions and butter, topped with a creamy sauce and a crispy breadcrumb and Parmesan crust.
What kind of fish is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses 2 lbs of halibut fillets.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How should the halibut be cut for this bake?
The halibut should be cut into entree-sized portions, roughly 3x4 inches.
How do I prepare the onion for the base?
One yellow onion should be finely chopped and spread evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
What is the purpose of the butter in the dish?
Half a cup of melted butter is poured over the onions to ensure they are well-coated before the fish is added.
What ingredients are in the creamy sauce?
The sauce consists of sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, seasoning salt, black pepper, dried basil, and dried thyme.
What is the ratio of sour cream to mayonnaise?
The recipe uses 1 cup (8 oz) of sour cream and 1 cup of mayonnaise.
How do I season the creamy sauce?
Season the sauce with 1 tsp each of garlic powder, seasoning salt, black pepper, dried basil, and dried thyme.
When do I apply the breadcrumbs?
Plain breadcrumbs are sprinkled evenly over the creamy sauce before the dish goes into the oven for the first time.
How long is the initial baking time?
The dish is first baked for about 20 minutes.
When is the Parmesan cheese added?
The shredded Parmesan cheese is added after the first 20 minutes of baking.
How much longer does the fish bake after adding Parmesan?
Bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
How can I tell if the halibut is fully cooked?
Use a fork to gently flake the fish; it should be white, moist, and flake easily.
What are the recommended side dishes?
It is best served with a fluffy rice pilaf and steamed green vegetables.
How can I make the fish taste less fishy?
Remove any brown-tinted pieces from the fish fillets before cooking to ensure a milder flavor.
What size baking dish is required?
The recipe calls for a 13x9x2 inch baking dish.
Can I use different types of herbs?
While the recipe specifies dried basil and thyme, you could experiment with other seafood-friendly herbs.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a family meal designed to please even reluctant fish eaters.
Can I make a smaller portion of this dish?
Yes, you can halve all ingredients, though the recipe suggests keeping the onion and butter amounts the same.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of plain breadcrumbs.
What specific brand of seasoning salt is mentioned?
The instructions mention Johnny's seasoning salt.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese.
Should the onions be cooked before going in the dish?
No, the onions are chopped raw and spread on the bottom with melted butter to cook with the fish.
Is the fish covered with foil while baking?
The instructions do not mention covering the dish, as the topping needs to become crispy.
How many grams of protein are in this recipe?
The nutritional information for protein is not provided in the source data.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
What is the texture of the topping?
The topping is a crunchy, golden brown crust made of breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, 'comfort food' is one of the tags associated with this recipe.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of powder?
The recipe calls for 1 tsp of garlic powder, but fresh minced garlic could be substituted if desired.